Safer highways

Several teenagers have died in recent years in highway accidents on the winding roads around the Bollinger County seat of Marble Hill, Mo. Relatives and friends have mourned these losses. One 15-year-old Woodland High School student believes highway safety can be improved. To raise awareness, she has written a heartfelt letter to politicians and the news media. So far, Brittany Holmes' appeal has been published in the Southeast Missourian and widely distributed by the Associated Press to media outlets across Missouri.

Brittany, in addition to being passionate about her efforts to make highways safer, is a realist. She understands that teenage drivers sometimes take dangerous risks. She also understands that there isn't enough money to rebuild straighter -- and safer -- roads. But, she says, that doesn't mean not doing anything.

The young advocate suggests adding guardrails, reflective paint and shoulders as ways to make highways safer for everyone, not just teenagers. Some of these objectives may be addressed with $500,000 of funding for Highway 34 safety improvement obtained by U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, who was one of the recipients of Brittany's letters.

The young crusader's efforts are a reminder to all of us that we share a responsibility to drive safely. Good job, Brittany.